With a 5-3 vote, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee rejected a proposal to allow sales of raw milk from farmers to the public. It was the second year the panel has killed the measure, siding with opponents who say safety is more important than personal choice.

Supporters of Sen. Eric LaFleur's bill said law-abiding citizens should be allowed to decide what they and their families drink. They said Louisiana is one of only eight states that prohibit the sale of unpasteurized milk.

LaFleur, D-Ville Platte, described the ban as "un-American."

Opponents said the milk is unsafe because it doesn't go through the heating process designed to kill harmful bacteria.